Ten people have been injured, at least two seriously, after an explosion “flattened” two houses and badly damaged a third, emergency services said.
One man, believed to be in his 70s, is in a life-threatening condition after the blast in Clacton, Essex, at around 8.30am.
Neighbours could be seen clambering over the rubble to help immediately after the explosion as the remains of the roof dangled precariously overhead.
Some 19 properties have been evacuated and the walking wounded include one young teenager, Essex Police said.
